Japanese moisturizer gets US medical endorsement

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream has been Japan's best selling medicated moisturizer for a number of years and is consequently a household name among many generations of Japanese people.

But now its maker Yuskin Pharmaceutical, has chosen to launch it in the US, where the brand is known as YuskinA.

As a natural-based moisturizer, it hits upon the current trend for formulations that are free from harsh chemicals. It consists of 40 per cent glycerin, and is also enriched with vitamin E, B2 and camphor, to help soothe irritations and maintain the dermal layers moisture levels.

In turn, these properties mean that it helps to treat skin conditions ranging from eczema, to atopic dermatitis, wet suit rash, cracked heals and feet.

"Yu-Be has been very effective on severe dry skin conditions such as eczema for many of my patients and without the continued use of topical prescription steroid medications. Daily use of this excellent barrier cream can prove to be a useful tool in the unpleasant situation of chronic, severe dry skin and eczema."​ said Dr. Vicki Rapaport MD - a dermatologist based in California.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizing and cleansing are crucial to treating atopic dermatitis, yet 23 per cent of adults with eczema do not use a moisturizer to treat their condition.

High-perfomance glycerin-based formulations have proved to be a successful way of treating dry skin related conditions, but it is also important that these kind of products avoid harsher chemicals in the formulations because of the vulnerability of open wounds, often associated with such conditions.

The maker's of Yu-Be also claim that because of the products mild formulation it can also be used on younger children. This is especially poignant considering the fact that as many as one baby in ten goes on to develop an eczema-related condition.

The company also claims that its moisturizer has been clinically proven to reduce skin irritation and improve the overall appearance and health of the skin, even when conditions are severe.

Approximately one in 10 children develops eczema, often within the first few months after birth and usually before the age of five, which is why mild formulations are essential for younger and more sensitive skins. According to the company, its formula is safe enough to be used on new-born babies and to treat diaper rash.

Although the product has been available on the Japanese market for the past 50 years, it has recently been launched on to the US market, where it is available in 1.25oz travel-size tubes and 4.25oz value-size jars.